May 16, 2018

Animal House of Representatives -- How about a Congressional dormitory?

There's something amusing about the prospect of our elected representatives camping out in their Congressional offices. But given the high real estate values in the capitol area, maybe they've hit on the best way to live away from home on the cheap.

When Jason Chaffetz left office he suggested that members of Congress should get a $2,500 housing allowance. My thought at the time was, "why not put them in a dorm?"

A Democratic congressman wants to create affordable housing in Washington, DC — for members of the House.

As the nation’s capital struggles with a homeless crisis, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson plans to introduce legislation as soon as this week calling for a study into converting a vacant residence hall blocks from the US Capitol into cheap housing for the well-paid politicians.

“I think that building should be available to members of Congress who have found housing costs to be prohibitive,” Thompson told The Post — referring to House members who rake in at least $174,000 a year.

“It can be the affordable-housing-availability option,” he said. /snip/

But the proposal isn’t sitting well with some colleagues, who said it raises the specter of a congressional version of “Animal House.”

"Animal House." Well, why not? At least the rest of us might get some entertainment value out of it.